Ronald Reagan

“ The peoples of the Western Hemisphere are bound together by a shared belief in peace, prosperity, justice, and freedom.
The Organization of American States is the embodiment of that common commitment to these basic principles through its Charter and the Rio Treaty. As one of the oldest international organizations in existence, the OAS has worked vigorously to broaden peaceful exchanges between the peoples it represents and the world community; to reduce the tensions and conflicts arising within the Hemisphere; and to stoutly resist aggressive threats from outside. ”

“ The Charter of the OAS clearly expresses the belief of the peoples of the region in the effective exercise of representative democracy. There are currently more democratic states in this Hemisphere than at any other time in history, an eloquent witness to the solid progress in this area. ”

“ Recently, the OAS began an effort to revitalize the inter-American system, to enhance its peacekeeping role, to strengthen its dedication to human rights, and to increase its effectiveness in improving living conditions for all who dwell in this Hemisphere. ”